Pazo Barrantes

Pazo Barrantes, the heart of Albariño

Although Pazo Barrantes has been the ancestral home to the Creixell family (owners of renowned Riojan labels Marques de Murrieta and Castillo Ygay) since the 15th century and where Albariño has been grown and made for generations, it was not until 1982, when the vineyards were re-planted and 1991, when the winery was built, that it became a commercial winery.

Located in the Salnés valley, just a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, the winery boasts 12 hectares of Albariño vineyards surrounding the 16th century Galician Palace. All the vines are trained high on supporting wires in the “Parral” trellis system, as is the local tradition, to guard against mildew and rot, and also to assist ripening. The soil is sandy, acidic and shallow. Yields at the estate are normally 8-9.000 kg/Ha, and production is around 200,000 bottles per year.

The unique Albariño grape (a small and concentrated grape that is resistant to humidity) is probably a descendent of Riesling, brought to the region by pilgrims from Germany visiting the tomb of St. James at Santiago de Compostella, just 50 km north of Barrantes.
The name Albariño could well be an adaptation of Alba (meaning white) from the Riño (Rhine); a convincing argument seen when old Albariños are tasted – they adopt a very similar character to old Rieslings.

It is intensely aromatic and redolent of peaches, apricots and almonds on the palate, and has the ability to age gracefully.

The typically wet climate of the Salnés valley is interrupted in July and August by two months of bright hot weather that enables the delicate Albariño grape to ripen correctly. The grapes are harvested in early September, and the harvest is over within a week.

The packaging takes its cues from all aspects of the estate: the famous three clog crest which signified the Zapata family who originally owned the house; the beautiful ochre colour which matches the shade of lichen that grows all over the estate, and the flora and scallop shells seen on the painted label that are so deeply associated with Galicia as a region.

The winery shares the same values as the Rioja estate: offering the finest wines possible whilst maintaining the respect for tradition and nature. Maria Vargas who makes all the Rioja travels up to Galicia each September to oversee production of this estate to ensure consistency on the “house style”.

The Pazo Barrantes style is rich and full, released last out of all the wineries in the region after a slow malolactic fermentation and is intended to develop well in bottle.

Tasting note

An Albariño of great personality, with a striking and fragrant varietal character and surprising bottle ageing potential. It charms the nose with intense floral, fruity and balsamic aromas and delights the mouth with its depth, elegance and freshness. Pazo Barrantes is a perfect blend of structure and silkiness, complexity and exuberance, longevity and immediate enjoyment.

Tasting note

Very pale with green-gold lights. The aroma is scented with wild flowers and white fruits. On the palate at first a luscious texture then a fine crisp citrus finish which makes it an ideal accompaniment to crustaceans.

Tasting note

Pale straw with gold highlights. Persistent aroma of white flowers and spice. The texture is creamy and soft to the finish. Seductive but restrained flavours fill the palate. Dry and silky finish with long aftertaste of white peaches and vanilla.